7 Things you shouldn’t Believe about Multivitamins

Ideally, a well-balanced diet is all that you need for the proper functioning of your mind and body. No matter how correctly you plan your meals; there might be some nutritional gaps. To fill these gaps multivitamins are consumed.

Surprisingly, among all dietary supplements multivitamins are probably the most popular ones. Particularly, in COVID-19 pandemic most of the people were seen taking multivitamins. But there are many well-marketed and effectively presented multivitamins available in the market. It becomes difficult to choose while you have so many options to choose from.

I went through a similar experience when a doctor online suggested my mother to take multivitamins. I was searching online about the best multivitamins and I came across many different claims about multivitamins. These well-established rumors were quite surprising for me and I thought to share the truth with you. So, if you are looking for the truth behind multivitamins, this article is for you.  

Myths about Multivitamins

Let’s separate fact from fiction;

1- Multivitamins can prevent health problems

First, make it clear that multivitamins are not pain-relievers or antibiotics that can cure the infection or treat some kind of illness. There are many studies on the benefits of multivitamins; however, there aren’t enough studies to support the fact that taking multivitamins can prevent diseases. Multivitamins can be associated with immunity in our body but why would you go for a multivitamin when you have plenty of natural resources.

2- Multivitamins are natural

Another most talked fact about multivitamins is that just because multivitamins are labelled as natural they can’t be harmful to you. Undoubtedly, multivitamins come from natural sources but what about the processing? The conversion of these natural multivitamins into pill form involves several processes which are why these multivitamin are not ‘so natural’.

3- Vitamin overdose is impossible!  

Just like any other medicine or supplement, vitamin overdose is a real thing. No matter these multivitamins are essential for our bodies, there is a defined daily intake limit. If you overlook these limitations and get an overdose of vitamins, it will be definitely harmful to you. You can even cause damage to your vital organs, so just because multivitamins are over-the-counter supplements you shouldn’t frequently consume them.

4- You can fulfil vitamin requirement form your food

Although our food sources are naturally rich in vitamin; but is it possible for you to complete your daily recommended amount of each and every mineral or a vitamin? Obviously, it is impossible for anyone which is why multivitamins supplements are recommended. Further, multivitamins can also help people with certain food allergies. You can take a multivitamin if

• You are following a calorie-limited diet and intentionally skipping some food groups from your diet
• If you are lactose intolerant and can’t consume dairy product
• If you are experiencing pregnancy you can take folic acid

5- You can take multivitamins without food

In case of other medicines (excluding a few exceptions), it is advisable not to take medicines on an empty stomach. Similarly, multivitamins shouldn’t be consumed without food. Wait! I have a reason for this. Multivitamins include both water and fat-soluble vitamins; you can digest water-soluble vitamins without food but what about fat-soluble components? Therefore, you should eat fat-containing food before consuming a multivitamin.

6- You can take multiple supplements together

I know you have heard about how vitamin C helps to digest iron in our body, but that’s not the case with another vitamin. In contrast, some supplements can work against each other. So, you shouldn’t consume multiple supplements together unless you are aware of their compatibility.

I remember a few years ago, I took two different medicines at once and was taken to Aga Khan Hospital emergency due to a medical reaction.

How can I choose a multivitamin?

You must be having a lot of knowledge about multivitamin now (which I hope you find beneficial). Just like other nutrients, multivitamins can be beneficial for you. However, you should always consider a few things before making an informed decision regarding the choice of multivitamins.

Here are a few things you should consider while choosing a multivitamins supplement for you:

1- Choose the multivitamin that is has verified ingredients

2- Read about the daily values of supplements

3- Choose the multivitamin that has the amount of the vitamin best suited to your age and gender

4- Always look for essential micronutrients in a multivitamin

5- Choose the multivitamin according to the nutrient deficiency in your body.